204 WILD FLOWERS OF 



often overlooked from its being concealed among 

 springing grass, and the heats of summer soon cause 

 it to wither away. The Moonwort (JBotrychium luna- 

 ria), is another curious fern, growing in heathy spots, 

 whose fructification is borne upon a compound spike 

 rising above its pinnate frond. The pinnules of the 

 latter are in fan-shaped pairs, whence the name of 

 Moonwort is derived. Degraded and almost for- 

 gotten, its mystic powers gathered when the moon 

 was "walking in her brightness," are now entirely 

 disregarded. 



Osmunda regalis is the king of British Ferns. This 

 splendid plant bears several bipinnate fronds, above 

 which the deep brown sori rise clustered together in a 

 compound spike of much elegance. In the bogs of 

 Wales king Osmund is very abundant, and I have 

 often viewed it there with high pleasure. It even 

 approaches close to the sea as in Goodick Morass, 

 near Fisguard, Pembrokeshire ; Cors Grochno, north 

 of Aberystwith ; and very fine near Harlech, as well 

 as between Barmouth and Dolgelle, Merionethshire ; 

 in all which places I have gathered it. The rhizorna 

 or root-stock, when cut through, has a whitish centre 

 or core, said by old GEEAEDE, in his Herbal, to be the 

 heart of OSMUND the waterman. No doubt the 

 "flowering fern" was once honoured as a "plant of 

 power," for Professor BUENET states that Osmunder 

 was one of the titles of THOE, the Saxon god of 

 Thunder, while mund is well known to denote strength 

 and power. Even now the Osmunda is said to possess 

 styptic and astringent qualities.* 



* The translator of Dodonseus says" The harte of the roote of Os- 

 monde is good against squattes and bruises, heavie and greevous falles, 

 and whatever hurte or dislocation soever it be." 



